President Donald Trump launched a sharp critique of Democratic-led local governance in Illinois on Sunday, contrasting the high number of shooting deaths in Chicago with US military casualties in the Iran conflict.
Shooting Statistics in Chicago
According to data from the Chicago Police Department, 137 people died in shooting incidents in March, 97 in February, and 858 people have been victims of shootings through June this year. In comparison, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) reports that 13 US service members have died during the conflict in Iran.
On his Truth Social platform, Trump claimed that "over 273 Americans have been shot since the war in Iran began... in Chicago."
Political Feud Escalates
The remarks come amid an ongoing feud between Trump and Illinois leaders, including Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. Trump has repeatedly questioned their ability to maintain order and has demanded they request federal military intervention, stating he could make Chicago safe "in one month."
Earlier in June, Trump called for federal military intervention after at least 24 shooting incidents across the city. He posted, "At least 39 people injured, 4 dead, in Chicago weekend shootings," addressing Governor Pritzker directly: "Governor Pritzker, I, as President, can fix this, FAST and permanently. D.C., Memphis, New Orleans, all down to record lows, and quickly! CALL ME!"
Pritzker Responds
Governor Pritzker responded by ridiculing Trump over the maintenance of the Washington Monument's Reflecting Pool and his oversight of the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. He stated, "I don't think that we should be listening to this President about promises that he makes or that he has any idea how to protect us in the state of Illinois."
Trump has frequently used Truth Social to criticize Chicago's leadership, claiming he could make the city safe "in ONE MONTH" and "in ONE YEAR, it would be one of the safest!!!"
